PM Modi addressed the Indian contingent that comprised of the athletes, coaches, physios and other staffers who helped the nation cross the 100-medal mark at the recently concluded Asian Games.

"I welcome all of you (athletes) on behalf of 140 crore Indians. Because of your hard work and achievements, there is an atmosphere of celebration across the country. We never had a dearth of talent in our country but due to several obstacles, our athletes weren't able to convert their talent into medals," said PM Modi during his address.

The Prime Minister also gave credit to the Khelo India Games initiative and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme that has been brought for the development of various kinds of sports in the country and how they have helped in excelling the growth of up and coming athletes in India.

PM Modi also congratulated the women athletes, saying they had given some amazing performances and accounted for half the medals won by the 660-member contingent.

"The government will pull all stops to ensure the athletes get the best. You have crossed 100 medals. Next time, we will go way past this record. Put your best effort for the Paris (Olympics)," Modi said while felicitating the Asian Games contingent here on Tuesday.

The next edition of the Games will be held in Japan in 2026.

"The athletes tried to give it their best shot. There was never a dearth of talent in India. The will to win was always there. They used to do well earlier as well, but there were a lot of hurdles which came in their way.

"But after 2014, Indian athletes are getting the best training, facilities and competitions abroad," said Modi.

The PM said that the Asian Games haul was a good marker for the future of the sport in the country and added that the medal winners had opened "new avenues" which will motivate a whole "new generation".

"Whatever event we competed in, we won medals. The canvas is growing, which is a good indication for India. You have opened new avenues, which will motivate the new generation. This (performance) will also give new motivation for the Paris Olympics (next year)," said Modi.

"Our women have given an amazing performance. They showcased the strength of women in the country. Half the medals won at the Asian Games were won by women. In track and field, I felt they were nor willing to settle for anything less than a gold medal."

The PM also gave the thumbs up to the sports ministry's flagship programme, Khelo India, saying it had been a huge success.

"This Asian Games, 125 athletes were the products of the Khelo India programme and they won 40 medals. This shows that Khelo India is progressing in the right direction.

"More than 3,000 athletes are getting training, coaching, medical and dietary assistance under Khelo India. A total of Rs 25,000 crore assistance is being given to athletes. Money will not come in the way of the athletes. Next five years, the government will spend an additional Rs 3000 crore on athletes and more infrastructure will be created," said Modi.

Talking about the Hangzhou Asian Games, India bagged 28 gold (beating its previous best), 38 silver and 41 bronze medals as it finished in the fourth position on the medal table behind China (383 medals), Japan (188 medals) and South Korea (190 medals).
(With PTI inputs)